Literary Terms for Regents Review

Allusion

a brief and indirect reference in a text to something typically of historical, biblical, or literary significance. The reference does not go into detail.

Characterization

the ways in which a writer portrays a character either directly or indirectly.

Direct characterization

how a character is portrayed through his/her description, actions, words, or thoughts.

Indirect characterization

How a character is portrayed through other characters' actions or reactions, words or thoughts.

Conflict

A Struggle between two, opposing forces-- usually a protagonist and antagonist. Conflict may be internal or external.

Internal conflict

a psychological one in which a character typically experiences two conflicting emotions or desires, i.e. the decision to do good or evil.

External conflict

experienced by a character when he encounters obstacles that hurt or stop his progress.

Details

descriptive information a writer includes that serves the purpose of making a text more interesting and stimulating, as well as engaging the reader in the meaning making process.

Diction

word choice; the style of speaking or writing as determined by the choice of words.

Foreshadowing

When a writer gives a hint about what will happen later.

Hyperbole

An extremely exaggerated statement or claim not meant to be taken literally.

Imagery

the use of descriptive language (i.e., figurative language) that draws on the five senses (sight, sound, taste, smell, touch) to help the reader imagine or to create a particular effect.

Irony

There are three kinds of irony: verbal irony, situational irony, and dramatic irony.

Verbal irony

occurs when words mean something other than they appear to mean.

Situational Irony

occurs when the opposite of what was likely or expected happens.

Dramatic Irony

Occurs when the audience is aware of what is happening more than the characters are.

Juxtaposition

The side-by-side or close placement of two or more things for effect or contrast.

Metaphor

A figure of speech in which an unstated comparison is made between two unrelated things that share some characteristics.

Direct Metaphor

A metaphor where the comparison is made directly, e.g., 'This office is a prison.'

Indirect Metaphor

A metaphor where the comparison is implied, e.g., 'I'm stuck behind bars from 9-5!'

Mood

The atmosphere or feeling evoked by a text, created by setting, imagery, diction, genre, tone, theme, and more.

Paradox

A seemingly absurd or contradictory statement that somehow makes sense.

Personification

Ascribing human characteristics to non-human things.

Rhetorical Appeals

Aristotle's three modes of persuasion: pathos, ethos, and logos.

Pathos

An appeal to emotions.

Ethos

An appeal that seeks to establish credibility.

Logos

An appeal to logic.

Rhetorical Question

A question asked to create a dramatic effect or to make a point rather than to get an answer.

Setting

The time and location in which a story takes place, which can influence events.

Simile

A figure of speech comparing two unrelated things using 'like' or 'as.'

Symbolism

A figure of speech where an object, character, or event represents something else throughout a literary work.

Theme

A central idea presented in a literary work, expressed in a complete sentence.

Tone

The attitude or feelings of the writer or speaker towards something or someone.